A Cable TV Regulation Bid

Published: May 18, 1989

Senator Albert Gore, Democrat of Tennessee, introduced legislation yesterday that called for re-regulation of the cable television industry. The bill, co-sponsored in the

House by three Representatives, including Thomas J. Downey, Democrat of Long Island, would allow local governments to set rates on basic cable service and would permit telephone companies to enter the cable business. The bill also asks the Federal

Trade Commission to study the increased concentration of cross-ownership of cable franchises and cable channels.

Roy Neal, the senator's chief of staff, said Mr. Gore had voted in favor of a 1984 bill deregulating the cable industry but had become concerned that local cable franchises were charging consumers high prices. Mr. Gore had also become alarmed about the degree of integration of ownership in the industry, he said.

The cable industry has opposed any return to local oversight over basic cable costs and has lobbied against permitting telephone companies to enter the industry.

Mr. Neal said the proposed legislation provided consumer safeguards. It would also prevent the telephone companies from charging its phone customers for operating a cable service.